Varnessa Kayen Varlyngton’s journey as a 13 years old environmental advocate began in the bustling streets of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where her deep connection to nature was evident from an early age. At just 10 years old, she penned her first book, Amama, which highlighted the importance of saving wildlife and addressing deforestation. This early literary effort was the start of a lifelong passion for environmental advocacy. As Varnessa grew, her awareness of environmental issues deepened. She was moved by the struggles of the Ogoni people, who faced pollution and environmental degradation due to oil spills. Witnessing the daily pollution and harsh living conditions in her country, she was inspired to fight for the basic environmental rights of vulnerable children.
Every day on my way to school with my family, I would look out the car window and see a world filled with pollution and children living in squalor. Overwhelmed, I asked myself, are we neglecting the basic rights of these children when it comes to the environment?
This passion led her to advocate for change. To further equip herself for this mission, Varnessa enrolled in UN CC:Learn’s course on climate change greatly expanded her understanding of climate change and environmental policies, honing her problem-solving and diplomacy skills. Empowered by this knowledge, Varnessa took bold actions, including launching her Children4Climate Initiative, a project aimed at educating young minds about climate change and environmental stewardship. Through creative animations and ecofiction stories, she has reached over 23,000 individuals, emphasizing her belief that: gen alpha can still make a change.
I refuse to stand idly while the lives and futures of young people are jeopardized by the neglect of those in power. I channeled my passion into action, raising awareness, advocating for change, and inspiring others to join me. It was the relentless drive that motivated me to create a better world for future generations.
In addition, Varnessa initiated TreeTrek, an effort to restore the greenery of Nigeria’s Port Harcourt through tree planting. She also advocated for climate education in schools by writing an open letter to the Nigerian government and organizing school workshops that taught children about deforestation. Her commitment to environmental storytelling continued with the launch of the RISECT Podcast, where she discusses environmental threats. Recognized as a UNICEF Nigeria Young Influencer, she also earned a fellowship with RippLED Africa, both badges of honor she wears proudly. Beyond her advocacy, Varnessa’s interests extend into ecofiction writing and animation, allowing her to communicate important messages about the planet in creative and impactful ways. Varnessa remains a fierce advocate for children’s rights in the fight against climate change, continuing to inspire others to take action for a more sustainable future.
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*The views expressed in this story are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the United Nations or any of its affiliated organizations.